Basic Principles of Investing
- Introduction
- Fund Your Retirement Plans First
- Liquidity Needs
- Deposit Insurance
- Money Market Funds*
- Savings Bonds
- Emergency Funds
- Goals and Time Horizon
- Defining Risk
- What's Your Risk Profile?
- Why Take Any Risk?
- Asset Allocation
- Dollar-Cost Averaging
- Portfolio Management
- Buying Investments
- Putting It All Together
Buying Investments
Banks and credit unions offer various deposit products, such as CDs, that represent safe, convenient places to keep your emergency money. Most deposit products are liquid, meaning you can easily convert them into cash without significant loss of principal. Banks and credit unions are federally insured for deposits of up to $250,000. For details see the section on federal deposit insurance.
Many banks and credit unions have expanded their offerings to include brokerage and insurance services. As a result, you can now buy stocks, bonds, mutual funds, and annuities at many banks and credit unions. These investments are not federally insured.
Full-service brokers do a lot more than just transactions. Your broker can provide you with financial advice and generally provide one-stop shopping for all your financial needs. He or she may even offer to provide you with professional money management for a fee.
Investment and insurance products and services are offered through INFINEX INVESTMENTS, INC. Member FINRA/SIPC. First Community Financial Consulting is a trade name of Pennian Bank. Infinex and the bank are not affiliated. Products and services made available through Infinex are not insured by the FDIC or any other agency of the United States and are not deposits or obligations of nor guaranteed or insured by any bank or bank affiliate. These products are subject to investment risk, including the possible loss of value. NOT FDIC INSURED BY ANY FEDERAL GOVERNMENT AGENCY, NOT GUARANTEED BY THE BANK, MAY GO DOWN IN VALUE.
